Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Pontiac

American dinner spots

Made for those who want a substantial, sit-down meal that anchors their evening.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a dimmed, moody atmosphere with a bright patio during the day. Children often run through the space, creating a lively yet calm and comfortable vibe. The setting balances elegant simplicity with a warm, inviting feel, making it a hub of activity in the area.

Brisket Tacos come highly recommended and stand out for their flavor. The menu also features loaded fries and a surf and turf special that gets positive mentions.

Dinner features fantastic specials with a salmon dish that stands out. Service keeps the experience smooth and attentive.

People are saying

"Mariette's excellent service turned our whole dinner experience around."

"I loved the salad with dried cherries, apples, grapes, and walnuts."

"The brisket sandwich and tacos here are divine."

Good to know

1

UWM hosts events on Tuesday nights, making it a lively time to visit.

2

The late night menu has limited options; check before ordering.

3

Breakfast costs $18 per plate without vouchers.

02
Heroes Bar-BQ & Brew image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining room filled with sports memorabilia and local character creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. Energy rises with noise and chatter, making it feel like a casual spot to relax and enjoy generous portions. Semi-private areas accommodate small groups, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Smoked meats stand out with tender beef brisket and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Pulled pork sandwiches carry a distinct cherry smoke flavor, and free nachos arrive in generous portions with good taste and presentation.

Dinner offers a well-timed sequence of drinks, appetizers, and main courses with good customer service. The tub dinner for 2 includes salads, sides, and mini garlic bread at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The brisket here is seasoned right and incredibly tender."

"You have to try the pulled pork sandwich; it's the best American food."

"You have to try the fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs for dinner."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the dining room fills up quickly.

2

Parking is available in the back, but the lot is bumpy and uneven.

3

Expect wait times to increase after 5:50 PM on weekends.

03
Copperstones of Waterford image 1
American restaurant

Diner-style space with retro decor and booth seating creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. The place stays buzzing with happy customers and offers a quiet, family-friendly vibe. Small and well-maintained, it feels like an old-school neighborhood eatery.

Patty melt stands out with perfect taste and excellent cooking. Hash browns come freshly cut and always crispy. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans offers a home-style flavor.

Classic American dinners offer solid food and great prices in a friendly, independent setting. Quality stays consistent from breakfast through dinner with a welcoming smile.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and homemade."

"I had some pretty good dinners with solid food and great prices."

"The American Food patty melt is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

They offer an all-you-can-eat fish and fries special every day.

2

They have different specials at different times.

3

The prices at Copperstones are exceptional for the quality of food.

04
Ripples Of The Lakes Restaurant And Bar image 1

Open floor layout combines with full bar service and top-shelf liquor to create an upscale yet approachable vibe. Lighting and decor show recent renovations but lack a strong theme, resulting in a somewhat noisy and uneven atmosphere. Fireplace adds a romantic touch, while family presence keeps the energy casual.

Pot roast stands out for being tender and flavorful, paired well with mashed potatoes and veggies. The menu also features ribeye steak and cheeseburger deluxe, both noted for their strong taste and freshness.

Dinner offers generous portions like the salmon and a pot roast with mashed potatoes and veggies. The atmosphere suits friends, family, and business dinners with a welcoming staff.

People are saying

"The dinner here is so good, especially the pot roast."

"I thought the breakfast food was delicious and amazing."

"I thought the American Food, especially the pot roast, was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to high demand.

2

Dinner prices range from $20 to $70, depending on the menu item.

3

Parking is ample and available for all guests.

05
Dave & Amy's image 1
Bar & grill

Small-town diner with a cozy, family atmosphere and large portions. Offers a salad bar and a diverse menu featuring hearty dishes like smothered steak and Cuban sandwiches. Seating is tight, and noise levels can rise in certain areas.

Pulled pork sliders come packed with meat and flavor. Patty melt offers great flavor without greasiness. Breakfast sausage gravy with biscuits, eggs, and hash browns hits the mark. Hot meatloaf sandwich and prime rib stand out. Bacon cheeseburger and cheeseburger deliver solid classic tastes.

Dinner arrives hot and fresh with generous portions and a choice of two sides. Birthday guests get a free dinner up to $16.95, including options like steak or fish.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was fantastic and delicious."

"The fish dinners here are delicious, especially the cod."

"I've never had cod with such a great panko fried texture."

Good to know

1

They give a free steak dinner on your birthday.

2

Expect to pay 30% more than the prices listed on the website.

3

Bring a jacket or sweater as the AC can be quite cold.

06
11/11 Crispy Chicken & Burgers - Waterford image 1

Modern building offers a cozy, clean atmosphere with friendly, lively energy and a small indoor dining area. Music plays a key role, featuring a live DJ and guitar that add to the vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating provides a relaxed alternative to the busy, sometimes noisy interior.

Chicken Pot Pie stands out with a flaky crust and rich filling. The double cheeseburger is solid and worth ordering again. Fried chicken options include an 8-piece family dinner and a crispy chicken sandwich meal available through the drive-thru.

Offers an 8 piece fried chicken family dinner and a crispy chicken sandwich meal through the drive-thru. The spicy chicken dinner stands out and suits quick lunch stops or grab and go dinners.

People are saying

"The burgers here are huge, juicy, and well-seasoned."

"The chicken pot pie here is so good, with a flaky crust and loaded with chicken."

"I found the chicken sandwich and wings to be amazing American Food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 10 pm every day.

2

Parking can be congested due to a nearby dispensary.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours, especially at the drive-thru.

07
Shark Club image 1
Restaurant

Huge space with large fish tanks and many TVs creates a lively setting for watching games. Free billiards and private banquet rooms add to the social and event-friendly vibe. Atmosphere shifts from calm and clean to loud and energetic during sporting events and weekends.

Spare ribs stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Chicken wings come juicy and well-seasoned. The hamburger offers a solid, classic taste.

Casual dinners include free pool during meals and a beef tip dinner as a go-to dish. Banquets also fit well here with space to play pool and eat.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and affordable."

"The filet tips were awesome and cooked perfectly for dinner."

"The loaded tater tots and spinach dip were amazing appetizers."

Good to know

1

Bike night happens every Thursday, sponsored by a local law firm.

2

Entry into the bike giveaway is available at the end of the season.

3

A minimum spend of $10.00 per person is required for pool table access.

08
Flights of Fancy Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Cloud-shaped lights change color, creating a cool diner-like atmosphere with an aviation theme. Dedicated fryers and kitchen space support an extensive gluten-free menu, including gluten-free beer. The interior shows signs of wear, but the overall vibe remains pleasant and inviting.

Mac and cheese stands out with its burnt cheddar cheese crust. Samoa pancakes, prime rib benny, and gluten free eggs Benedict offer solid American food choices. Chicken wings come in Thai and honey mustard flavors.

Dinner includes a flight of appetizers and a delicious main course. The setting suits celebrations like surprise birthday dinners.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and delicious."

"Dinner spots here have plenty of gluten-free options."

"Their American food is amazing and everything can be made gluten-free."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of gluten-free options.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free practices and a separate fryer.

3

Most of the menu can be made gluten-free upon request.

09
Pops Family Restaurant image 1

Open, bright space offers a cozy neighborhood diner vibe with a friendly, family atmosphere. Noise travels easily, reflecting a busy, popular spot where comfort and familiarity meet. Large portions and affordable prices complement the inviting setting.

Biscuits come out different from usual but delicious. Hash browns are crispy and taste fresh. Fish and chips served with clam chowder offer a tasty combo. Pot roast is available for dinner.

Dinner offers a wide variety of choices including pot roast and other hearty options. The spot suits family occasions like birthday dinners and handles minor issues with sides.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious for dinner."

"You have to try their American Food omelettes; they're fantastic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and not part of a chain.

2

The menu offers a large variety of homemade specials.

3

Expect large portions for a great price.

10
Elam Brothers II image 1

Small dining area offers tables to eat in, but most people choose carry out. Food features fresh catfish and perfectly seasoned greens, with daily specials providing great value. Atmosphere is patient and welcoming, reflecting God-fearing owners.

Plates feature six bone meal served with mac & cheese, spaghetti, and cornbread. Pot roast dinners also appear on the menu.

Catfish dinners come with mac and greens and stand out as a solid choice. Pot roast dinners are available but sometimes come with potatoes that are not fresh.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The catfish dinner here is so fresh, it's worth it."

"The American food here was absolutely amazing."

Good to know

1

Customers should look out for their daily specials.

2

The restaurant offers great value for the amount of food they give.

3

There are tables to eat in.

11
Perry Street Grill image 1

Small restaurant with comfy booths and a quaint diner style offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere. The space feels homie and peaceful with a slightly chilly interior. It serves affordable meals with generous portions and a large breakfast selection.

Chili cheese fries and loaded fries stand out with rich flavors. Breakfast offers biscuits and gravy, French toast, and a meat lovers omelette. Cajun chicken alfredo and bacon double cheeseburgers add hearty options.

Dinner specials include a corned beef and a six-piece wing option. Lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of specials to try.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was amazing and worth the price."

"I found the American food here to be delicious and hot."

"The staff here is so friendly and provides wonderful service for dinner spots."

Good to know

1

The prices at Perry Street Grill are affordable for the portion sizes.

2

They offer a large breakfast and lunch menu with many choices.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean and neat environment.

12
CJ's Upper Deck image 1
American restaurant

Two floors with a rooftop deck create ample space for socializing and dining. Lively atmosphere features karaoke and DJs, with a dance floor that heats up during events. Free pool and darts add to the entertainment options, attracting a fun and energetic crowd.

Ribeye steak stands out with rich flavor. Pulled pork sliders and fried chicken sandwich offer fresh, satisfying bites. Hamburger and onion rings come cooked just right. Chicken wings and tacos add variety with solid taste.

Dinner features large appetizers like the nacho grande, enough for two. The menu includes pizza, salad, and drinks served in a setting that handles larger groups well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The American food, especially the pulled pork sliders and burgers, is excellent."

"The dinner spots here have the sweetest, friendliest servers."

Good to know

1

CJ's Upper Deck hosts karaoke parties on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

They have $1 specials for NFL Sunday.

3

Crab night is on Wednesdays with all-you-can-eat options for $67 per person.

Discover more

Pontiac, Michigan

Area guide
Loading Map...